Practice Test Answer Key is under FILES tab



Welcome to Mrs. Wright's Biology at DCHS!

Brought to you by USATestprep.

Below is a copy of my syllabus with the basic guidelines for this class. On other pages, you will find a calendar, important uploaded files and a discussion page. This is very much a work in progress and I'm sure we will work together to find the best ways to use this wiki, but I look forward to having you in class and all the many things we will explore together!

General BiologyCourse syllabusspring 2011


INSTRUCTOR: Mrs. Susan Wright, Room C-8
PHONE NUMBER: 706-265-6555, ext. 2439
EMAIL ADDRESS: susanwright@dawson.k12.ga.us
PREREQUISITES: Ninth Grade Physical Science
TEXT: Prentice Hall: Biology

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Biology is an introductory survey in the science of life. The class will follow life processes from the cellular level up to organisms and their environment. The Kingdoms will be covered as well as the taxonomy of each. Laboratory investigations are utilized to provide practical experience with the topics being studied.

COURSE OBJECTIVE:
Students will gain a general knowledge in the areas of cellular biology, genetics, microbiology, invertebrate and vertebrate zoology, botany, ecology, and evolution. This knowledge base will prepare students for more advanced study the following year. The course content follows the Georgia Performance Standards:
- SB1: Students will analyze the nature of the relationships between structures and functions in living cells
- SB2: students will analyze how biological traits are passed on to successive generations
- SB3: Students will derive the relationship between single-celled and multi-celled organisms and the increasing complexity of systems
- SB4: Students will assess the dependence of all organisms on one another and the flow of energy and matter within their ecosystems
- SB5: Students will evaluate the role of natural selection in the development of the theory of evolution

GRADING SCALE/SYSTEM:

Quarter 1 grade (1st nine weeks)

- Daily Grades 40% (Includes quizzes, class assignments, homework assignments, small projects, labs, and lab reports)

- Tests 45% (Includes chapter tests and large projects)
- Mid-Term Exam (cumulative) 15%

Quarter 2 grade (2nd nine weeks)

- Daily Grades 45% (Includes quizzes, class assignments, homework assignments, small projects, labs, and lab reports)

- Tests 55% (Includes chapter tests and large projects)

Final Semester Grade
Quarter 1 grade 42.5 %
Quarter 2 grade 42.5 %
End of Course Test (EOCT) (cumulative) 15 %

MATERIALS NEEDED:
  1. 3-ring binder (at least 1”)
  2. Loose-leaf filler paper
  3. Pencils and Pens
  4. OPTIONAL - Colored pencils, index cards, graph paper
  5. Please choose ONE of the following to donate for the classroom (not required, but appreciated! J):
Box of tissues, Dishwashing detergent, Waterless hand sanitizer, Zip-lock storage bags (any size), Markers/Colored pencils, Plastic cups (any size)



LABORATORY SAFETY GUIDELINES ARE TO BE STRINGENTLY FOLLOWED FOR THE SAFETY OF THE ENTIRE CLASS. NO EXCEPTIONS! If safety guidelines are not followed, students will be removed from lab and will receive a zero for the lab. This syllabus along with a copy of the safety guidelines are attached for you and your parent/guardian to review and sign.

Some hints for success in this class include reading and studying notes daily, keeping an organized notebook, turning in all work, and asking for help if needed. If you have difficulties understanding any of the concepts we cover, please arrange to stay after school for additional help. Parents, please feel free to contact me to arrange a conference if you have questions or concerns about your child's progress.


Biology Pacing Guide

Standard
Topics & Assessments
Days
SCSh1-9
Scientific Method, Microscopes, Background Vocabulary, Characteristics of Life
Assessment: Test & Labs
5
SB1
General Chemistry (Review)/Biochemistry (Focus), 4 Macromolecules (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins/enzyme, nucleic acid), Properties of Water
Assessment: Test & Labs
4
SB1
Cells-Theory, Structure, function, Transport (Homeostasis)/prokaryote vs. eukaryote
Assessment: Test, Drawings, Cell Model, & Labs
10
SB4
Photosynthesis/Respiration & metabolism
Assessment: Test, Labs, Drawings, Mapping of Reactions
5
SB2
Nucleic Acid/Protein Synthesis/Mitosis & Meiosis
Assessment: Test, Models, Drawings, Labs
9
SB2
Fundamental Genetics (Mendel, monohybrid & dihybrid crosses, probability)
Assessment: Test, Projects, Labs, Genetic Probability Problems
5
SB2
Genetic Applications (recombinant DNA technology, cloning, cancer, etc.)
Assessment: Test, In class discussion, Pedigrees
9
SB5
SB3
Evolution (background (Darwin & LeMark), early experiments (Redii, Pasteur, Miller & Urey) mechanics of Micro/Macro Evolution, natural vs. artificial selection, types of selection
Assessment: Test, Discussion, Labs
4
SB3
Classification (6 Kingdom system / characteristics)
Assessment: Test, Lab
3
SB3
Virus/Bacteria/Protists/Fungi
Assessment: Test, Lab, Models
6
SB3
Invertebrates (main characteristics and vocab in each phylum)
Assessment: Test, Lab, Group Project Presentations
4
SB3
Vertebrates (characteristics and vocab of each class (fish, amphibia, reptilia, aves, mammalia)
Assessment: Test, Lab, Group Project Presentations
5
SB3
Plants
Assessment: Test, Drawings, Labs, Dissections, Leaf Collections
5
SB4
Ecology, Predator/Prey Interactions, Biomes, Water/Carbon/Nutrient Cycles (food chain/web/pyramid)
Assessment: Test, Group Presentations, Labs
4
EOCT
Review, Midterm, Final
5

**Catch up, class meeting/interruption days
3